In the Niepanjing jijie 涅槃経集解, Tathāgatagarbha is considered the synonym of Buddha-nature. Still, the difference between Tathāgatagarbha and Buddha-nature is recognized in that Buddha-nature is a characteristic of Buddha, while Tathāgatagarbha refers to sentient beings. Buddha-nature is Dharmakāya in a visible state. In contrast, Tathāgatagarbha is Dharmakāya in an invisible state, covered by afflictions. This kind of interpretation is seen in works of Jizang 吉蔵 and Huiyuan of the Jingying Monastery 浄影寺慧遠, and is arguably a consensus shared by Chinese Buddhists in the Northern and Southern and the Sui Dynasties. From this interpretation, we may see the influence of the Śrīmālādevīsiṃhanādasūtra and the effect of traditional Chinese ideas on human nature.
